Lauren Jeffrey has nominated me for a Liebster Award

Lauren Jeffrey has nominated me for a Liebster award, and has asked some very specific questions. Although I usually refer people to my awards page, these are so specific that they read more like an interview. As such, I’ll make an exception and answer them below!

Take it, Lauren!

1. Do you ever splurge and fly first-class?

Sadly, I can’t afford that. I have been upgraded to first-class once for free, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. I now feel bad whenever I have to watch the stewardess draw that little curtain separating me from first-class. Especially when she does that little shake of the head and gives us poor sods the look that says, “if only you’d worked a little harder”…

2. For a vacation – mountains or beach?

Pelion. It has both, and as you can see from the photos it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Damouhari, Pelion

Damouhari, Pelion sea

Damouhari, Pelion

Damouhari, Pelion sea

Damouhari, Pelion sea

Damouhari, Pelion

Damouhari, Pelion pebbles

Damouhari, Pelion. The tiny port where the opening scenes of Mamma Mia were shot

Shots from the shooting of Mamma Mia; Damouhari’s claim to fame

For drinks at Deipnosofistes, Tsaggarada, Pelion

Tsaggarada, Pelion

Tsaggarada, Pelion

Tsaggarada, Pelion

Tsaggarada, Pelion

A kindly waiter took the only photo of us both at El Resto bar

El Resto Bar, restaurant at Pelion, where we had loukoumades with feta cheese

Sunrise over Damouhari, Pelion (view from our room)

Sunrise over Damouhari, Pelion (view from our room)

Sunrise over Damouhari, Pelion (view from our room)

Meli’s tryouts as a pillow.

Tsaggarada, Pelion

Tsaggarada, Pelion

Tsaggarada, Pelion

Papanero, Pelion, from above

Papanero, Pelion

Papanero & Agios Ioannis, Pelion, from above

Papanero, Pelion, from above

3. What is one thing you would try to fit in to your daily routine to improve your quality of life?

A couple of interruption-free hours each morning dedicating to writing. And a five-day weekend.

4. Are you an introvert or extrovert?

During my studying towards a Certificate in Counselling, I took the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). I’m officially 100% Introvert. In fact, our teacher was shocked, saying she had never seen anyone get 100% of the answers.

However, people rarely understand what these terms really mean. Introverts are people who charge their batteries, so to speak, at home. Whenever I’m away from home, I feel like a laptop that works on batteries. Unless I can plug myself back in, my energy levels just plummet.

Extroverts draw their energy from being around others, instead – preferably at open spaces. That’s why they can’t stay home; they need to recharge by going to public spaces.

5. Do you prefer the idea of self-publishing or going the traditional route? Why? And, if the later, how many rejections would it take for you to consider the former?

If I had to choose just one, I’d go for Philip K. Dick. I just love everything about him, from his writing to his anamnesis to his metaphysical references.

7. If you were a Kardashian, which one would you be?

I’m European. I don’t really know the Kardashians… Except for the curvy one; who’s that one? Or are they all curvy?

8. If you had a big wedding, would you spend the money on something else if you could do it over again? Why/why not? If you’re not married, well, skip to question 9.

We wanted to have a beach party instead of a wedding. Our parents pointed out that the sand would make it really uncomfortable for any guests wearing high heels; especially for any older ones. We settled for a ceremony that took place at a small chapel overlooking the sea. Then, we had a lovely hotel reception. All in all, over 200 people attended.

Since it was one of the best days in my life, I wouldn’t change a thing!

9. You’ve decided to change your name. What will it be?

But I have already changed my name! My name is Nicholas Rossis, and I added the middle name – hence my Nicholas C. Rossis pen name. Obviously, it would take a criminal mastermind to connect that to me.

10. Share an accomplishment for which you wish you’d been more recognized.

My cooking, especially my Mexican. I make a mean enchilada!

11. No one will ever read your book/short story/poetry. Was it still worth writing?

Ouch. Well, it depends. Will no one read it because I got cold feet and declined to put it out there? Or have I published it, but no one actually read it? In the first case, I’d say it was not worth it. But in the second, I’d say it was. Life is nothing without a little risk, and writing a book is certainly one!

Congratulations on the award. 🙂 And I can sympathise on the introvert thing. I like your analogy. Being at home is like being on charge, plugged in like a laptop. Being out, it’s like running on battery power. .

Congrats! Nice pics and great answers. I particularly found the introvert/extrovert one interesting. Most would say I’m an extrovert as I am quite outgoing in groups, but I’ve never been sure I agreed. I definitely prefer home, being home, and most certainly recharge there. So an introvert isn’t necessarily quiet and ‘within’ themselves. Good to know.

When we were taught the MBTI, we were cautioned that telling the difference between the two can be very tricky. Mostly, because people confuse social with extrovert, when in fact this is not always the case. You sound like an introvert with a well-developed social side. Or, more simply, a well-balanced individual 🙂

It ‘feels’ right, not that it matters all too much in the grand scheme of things, but my gut just said something was not quite right about that label for me. Intriguing really. I will look into the MBTI more. Thanks for pointing me in the direction, and have a happy Sunday 🙂

Hi Nicholas. I loved reading your answers to my questions. Thanks so much for taking the time to make a full post out of them. What a lovely compliment. The pictures were fun – I may just have to visit Pelion!

Lovely interview and great photos – so lovely to see your wedding as well as Pelion 🙂 And congratulations on your award and – wow – I just found myself on your nominations page! Thank you so much, how lovely to be on the list! Xx

I agree the photos of Pelion are fabulous! I could attribute a new word I saw recently to a visit there: A staycation. Go to visit, and never leave. I would hope there were no “Tourista” events to watch out for…

Congrats on your award.
Pelion is gorgeous! And romantic, and where I wish I could live, and how could you ever leave. You and Electra look fabulous in your wedding photos. Favorite answers to above questions – #3 – let me know when you find that 5 day weekend, and #11 “Life is nothing without a little risk, and writing a book is certainly one!”

We have been considering moving to Pelion. Especially since we found a house for sale. In fact, two houses, in a huge plot of land. The house had some 14 bedrooms between them, but the whole thing was going for some $100,000.

Beautiful pictures and great answers. I hired a guy to try and find who this Nicholas C. Rossis is. He came back empty but had a great trip to Greece. Thought your answer about the worth of writing was insightful.

Great post, great photos; regarding Mrs Rossis… aren’t you the lucky man!
I’d disagree with you on question 11. Everything is worth writing. It keeps the mind working and the words flowing, that it will not be seen is a shame but without the unpublished, the published will be less practised 😉

Congradulations on your nomination; loved the pictures too, particularly the ones of the beach – reminds me of the holidays I spent as a young girl with my grandmother at Stanmore Bay – they were fun times 🙂

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